20 Highest Paying Jobs With an Accounting Degree 2026

Accounting is a popular degree choice. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, accounting majors constitute nearly one-fifth of all business majors.

The accounting job's salary is one reason for the degree's popularity. Students looking for high-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree find that accounting professional salaries are quite attractive. Not to mention degree holders often find fun jobs with accounting degree completion in entertainment, sports, fashion, and other unique fields.

Do you want to start a career with an accounting degree? Below, we'll highlight some of the best accounting careers and discuss how to secure them.

Salary Disclaimer: The salary ranges provided in this article are estimates based on national averages. Actual earnings may vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and industry demand.

Top 20 Highest Paying Accounting Jobs

Numerous accounting roles are available to both recent graduates and experienced professionals, many of which rank among the highest paying jobs in business and finance. Below, you’ll find a list of accounting careers with strong earning potential and opportunities for advancement.

1. Tax Director

Estimated Average Salary: $181,675

Tax directors oversee tax policies and objectives while taking on duties such as confirming tax return accuracy, reducing a company's tax obligations, and creating tax planning strategies. They also manage audits, ensure the business complies with tax statutes, and track changes in tax law.

Companies typically look for candidates with a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and many years of work experience in taxation. A master's degree in taxation or credentials like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Rev Cycle Rep (CRCR) are sometimes recommended.

2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Estimated Average Salary: $159,000

A chief financial officer (CFO) is a top executive ensuring businesses operate within the budget and always meet their monetary obligations. Specific duties include devising financial management procedures, overseeing risk management, and making key financial decisions for the organization.

When seeking a CFO role, candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business and a credential like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or CPA. Depending on the role, candidates might need a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and at least five years of relevant experience.

3. Corporate Controller

Estimated Average Salary: $136,894

Corporate controllers oversee accounting tasks such as financial reporting, regulation compliance, internal audits, and financial planning in corporate settings. They help form internal financial procedures, assist with debt and risk management, and work with executives to make financial decisions for the company.

Starting this career usually requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in corporate finance, business, or accounting and years of experience in accounting or financial analysis. A CPA license can help make corporate controller candidates more attractive in the job market.

4. Investment Banker

Estimated Average Salary: $124,534

An investment banker connects organizations looking for funding with investors interested in financing business ventures. In addition to managing underwriting tasks, these securities, commodities, and financial services professionals manage initial public offerings (IPOs) and provide advice during company mergers and acquisitions to ensure they flow smoothly.

A bachelor's degree in business or accounting can open doors to entry-level roles in investment banking; however, some employers might seek candidates with an MBA. Working as an investment banker requires registration with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

5. Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

Estimated Average Salary: $123,381

A financial risk manager identifies the risks that can impact an organization's financial health or reputation and devises financial strategies to limit or offset loss. These finance managers must have strong communication skills to present findings to department managers, the vice president of finance, and other company leadership.

Earning a bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or accounting is a good starting point for this career. Certification usually isn't required unless pursuing a role in a specialized field like healthcare.

6. Actuary (With Accounting Background)

Estimated Median Salary: $120,800

Actuaries use statistics, math, and financial theory to determine the financial impact of risk and uncertainty. Common duties include analyzing statistical data, calculating case reserves, producing reports, and presenting findings to shareholders and company executives.

People interested in working in the finance and insurance industry can benefit from a bachelor's degree in accounting, corporate finance, math, statistics, or actuarial science. Possessing Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or Society of Actuaries (SOA) certification is required to secure an actuary role at many companies.

7. Director of Finance

Estimated Average Salary: $114,321

A finance director oversees an organization's activities by monitoring the performance of investments and analyzing trends to determine which financial risks to reduce. They develop and implement policies, distribute funds to various departments, hire finance and accounting department leadership, and help the CFO make spending decisions.

To begin a finance director career, a master's degree in finance or an MBA is recommended; however, a background in accounting or business administration and a CFA credential also work. Most employers look to hire candidates with eight to 10 years of experience in the field.

8. Financial Controller

Estimated Average Salary: $106,512

Financial controllers manage all finance and high-level accounting activities within an organization. Their duties include preparing monthly financial statements, directing financial forecasts, and managing accounting department operations. Controllers typically work with external auditors to ensure an organization follows financial reporting procedures.

Starting this career typically requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; however, a master's degree can improve job prospects. Gaining at least five years of finance or accounting experience, or working as an assistant controller, can also help.

9. Forensic Accountant

Estimated Average Salary: $101,200

Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes for law enforcement, government agencies, insurance companies, accounting firms, and financial institutions. They work on cases involving contract disputes, securities fraud, bankruptcies, and other financial crimes and sometimes appear in court as expert witnesses.

A bachelor's degree in forensic accounting, accounting, or business is a common job requirement; however, some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in accounting. Forensic accountants might also need a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Chartered Accountant (CA), or CPA credential.

10. Mergers and Acquisitions Professional

Estimated Average Salary: $101,183

A mergers and acquisitions (M&A) professional helps corporations interested in joining together avoid the pitfalls that often prevent this from happening. These experts pinpoint target companies for acquisition, determine the businesses that are the most suitable matches, structure their deals, and help create a post-merger integration plan.

Individuals interested in M&A careers should have an MBA and a background in accounting, finance, business, and law. To gain the attention of more employers, candidates can earn a CFA or CPA credential.

11. Financial Analyst

Estimated Median Salary: $99,890

A financial analyst helps guide the financial decisions of individuals and organizations. They assess bonds, stocks, and other investment performances, evaluate historical and current financial data, determine a company's value by assessing financial statements, and make recommendations for meeting financial goals.

Securing an entry-level position requires a minimum bachelor's degree in business or a related field like accounting; however, some employers prefer candidates with master's degrees. CFA certification is sometimes recommended but not generally required. Obtaining FINRA licensure might be required after being hired.

12. Personal Financial Advisor

Estimated Median Salary: $99,580

Personal financial advisors help individuals manage their finances by offering advice for navigating investments, estate planning, taxes, insurance, retirement, and mortgages. Additional duties include answering questions about the risks of specific investments, recommending and selecting the right ones, and monitoring them for changes.

Entering this occupation is typically possible with a bachelor's degree in areas of study like business, accounting, or mathematics. Personal financial advisors are often required to obtain licenses to buy and sell stock, bonds, and other investments for clients.

13. Accounting Professor

Estimated Median Salary: $97,130

Accounting professors teach undergraduate and graduate students this subject in colleges and universities. They primarily work to build learners' knowledge of foundational and advanced accounting concepts through lectures, assignments, and exams; however, they also provide individualized assistance and advising to help students navigate courses.

Candidates interested in this role typically need a master's degree in accounting, CMA or CPA certification, and years of professional experience. Some schools prefer to hire applicants with a PhD in the field.

14. Senior Tax Accountant

Estimated Average Salary: $91,244

A senior tax accountant ensures that an organization aligns all accounting and financial management with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Professionals in this role interpret and analyze financial records and data, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and laws, and report updates to tax managers or other leaders.

Starting this career often requires a minimum bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a related field and several years of work experience. Candidates might be able to substitute experience for certification or a higher level of education.

15. Internal Auditor

Estimated Average Salary: $89,926

Internal auditors are employed by the organization they're auditing, which differs from external auditors who work for an outside organization. In these roles, professionals prepare financial statements, make risk assessments, take steps to eliminate waste and fraud, and identify ways to improve financial processes for their employers.

Auditor job candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in internal auditing, accounting, or a related field; however, they can improve their chances of employment with a master's degree in auditing or CPA credential. Gaining practical experience through an internship is a plus.

16. Cost Accountant

Estimated Average Salary: $79,606

A cost accountant works with other accountants and financial staff to manage budgets and meet an organization's financial goals. Responsibilities include analyzing operational cost data, preparing audit reports, developing cost standards, and determining the cost of various aspects of a business.

Earning a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance is the first step toward securing this role. Some employers prefer candidates with master's degrees in management accounting. A CMA or CPA credential and work experience can help secure this role.

17. Government Accountant

Estimated Median Salary: $79,130

A government accountant manages how local revenues are used, performs compliance audits, and investigates fraud for state and local governments. Professionals working for the federal government manage public funds, research issues in accounting, and conduct audits for government agencies.

Starting a career in government accounting often requires a bachelor's or master's degree in finance, accounting, or a similar field. Depending on the role pursued, candidates could need a Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), CFE, CPA, or CA credential.

18. Management Accountant (CMA)

Estimated Average Salary: $71,065

Management accountants use their accounting, finance, and nonfinancial data knowledge to help with decision-making efforts in an organization. Their responsibilities include managing stocks, bonds, and real estate with financial managers, preparing budgets, and leading financial planning efforts.

Before pursuing this career, individuals should earn a bachelor's degree in accounting and gain experience in cost accounting, internal auditing, or a related role. Professionals who want to earn the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential must pass an examination, have work experience, and meet other requirements.

19. International Accountant

Estimated Average Salary: $65,759

International accountants work for companies that conduct business with organizations in other countries. This role is ideal for individuals with an accounting background who can speak another language or have extensive experience with different cultures.

Working as an international accountant means completing transactions with foreign companies, suggesting ways global business can strengthen financial health, and sharing financial reports with global business partners. A bachelor's degree in international accounting or accounting, a CPA license, and work experience can help secure this role.

20. Auditor

Estimated Average Salary: $65,059

Auditors examine financial records and pinpoint an organization's risk and opportunity areas. Common auditor types include external and internal auditors. External auditors determine whether an organization they don't work for properly manages its funds, and internal auditors assess fund management for their employer.

To enter this occupation, prospective auditors should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers look for candidates with a master's degree in accounting. Earning a CPA credential can also help start this career.

What These High-Paying Accounting Careers Have in Common

The roles on this list tend to reward precision, analytical thinking, and a strong grasp of financial regulations rather than any single specialized skill. Whether you're auditing a company's books, advising clients on tax strategy, or overseeing a corporate finance department, these positions depend on trustworthy, detail-oriented work that businesses can't function without.

Accounting expertise also translates across nearly every industry, since every organization, regardless of sector, needs accurate financial reporting and compliance. That universal demand is part of why accounting careers consistently offer strong, stable salaries even outside of finance-specific industries like banking or investment.

Choosing the Right Accounting Specialization for Your Goals

Accounting offers several paths, including public accounting, corporate accounting, forensic accounting, and tax specialization, and each one shapes your day-to-day work differently. Picking a path that matches your interests and strengths, rather than choosing based on salary projections alone, tends to lead to stronger long-term career satisfaction.

Your choice of specialization can also affect your credentialing path and earning trajectory. Public accounting and auditing roles often lean heavily on the CPA credential, while specialized areas like forensic accounting or financial analysis may reward additional certifications or advanced coursework instead.

FAQs About Accounting Degrees That Pay Well

Choosing a career path within accounting raises a few questions beyond which roles pay the most. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Do You Need a CPA License to Earn a High Salary in Accounting?

A CPA license isn't required for every high-paying accounting role, but it does open doors to some of the most lucrative positions, particularly in public accounting and auditing. Many corporate accounting and finance roles value the credential even when it isn't strictly required, since it signals a rigorous level of expertise. Whether pursuing a CPA makes sense for you typically depends on which specific accounting path you want to follow.

Which Industries Pay the Most for Accounting Professionals?

Accounting professionals often see the strongest salaries in industries like finance, technology, and professional services firms, including the large public accounting firms known as the Big Four. Corporate accounting roles within large, complex organizations also tend to pay well, since they often carry greater responsibility and oversight. Researching salary trends within your specific target industry can give you a clearer sense of realistic earning potential.

Is a Master's Degree Necessary to Advance in an Accounting Career?

A master's degree isn't always necessary to advance in accounting, but it can accelerate your path toward senior and leadership roles, especially if you're pursuing the CPA credential. Many states require 150 credit hours of education to sit for the CPA exam, which often means additional coursework beyond a standard bachelor's degree. A master's in accounting can help you meet that requirement while also strengthening your qualifications for advancement.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA?

Becoming a CPA typically takes around one to two years beyond a bachelor's degree, largely due to the additional coursework needed to meet the 150-credit-hour requirement most states require. After meeting the education requirements, candidates also need to pass all four sections of the CPA exam and complete a specified amount of supervised work experience. Total timelines vary by state and individual pace, so checking your state board's specific requirements is a useful first step.

What Skills Help Accounting Professionals Advance Into Leadership Roles?

Strong analytical and technical accounting skills form the foundation, but advancing into leadership roles also requires communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex financial data into guidance non-accountants can understand. Experience managing teams or leading cross-departmental projects can also set you apart as you move toward senior or executive positions. Building these skills alongside your technical accounting expertise can meaningfully speed up your path to leadership.

Find an Accounting Degree Program

Begin your journey toward an exciting career in accounting by exploring degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact a school to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.